Chesnee Classic Cycle

The 13th Annual Antique Bikes on Main- July 28, 29 & 30, 2017

Since 2005, Chesnee Classic Cycle has been home to the annual Antique Bikes on Main rally. All kinds of motorcycles and enthusiasts come in a real downtown venue.

The free Swap Meet on Saturday & Sunday gets bigger and better every year. Clean out your spares, find what you need to fix your bike or buy another one!

Saturday's Prayer Ride- kickstands up at 1PM- tours the area before coming back to Chesnee for Christian fellowship into the evening.

Our very own local AMCA Legends Chapterhttp://amcalegendschapter.com/ will once again be a big part of Antique Bikes on Main. Become a Legend today and ride with the rest of the best. This year, legendary Motor Maid Betty Robinson Fauls will be named 2017 Legend of the Year at Antique Bikes on Main on Saturday afternoon July 29. Check with the Legends chapter at the link above or back here for more details to be announced. Come and be part of the ceremony.

The Wall of Death MotorDrome is coming!

A true Wall of Death Motordrome is coming to Antique Bikes on Main in 2017.

Wild Wheels Thrill Arena Motordrome, the newest and truest of old timey motorcycle thrill shows, will be performing all weekend. D.W. and his daredevil crew will bring their firebreathing Indian and Harley Davidson performance machines to ride sideways on their motordrome wall into the history books of Antique Bikes on Main. Check this out-

The best news? It will be completely free!! No tickets or gate to see this death-defying performance. The Wild Wheels crew will be riding for your tips. This isn't Reality TV special effects or a petting zoo where you or the kids can feed some corn to the sheep. Bring some nice green money, hold it out and watch these gravity-defying Masters of Motorcycle Mayhem grab it while they roar by riding on the wall. How cool is that?!?

Antique Bikes on Main is the best rally anywhere. We're going to have a great time.

Chesnee City Festival

The Chesnee City Festival runs the same weekend, from Friday Night July 28 through Sunday July 30. More free old-fashioned good times, including:

Live music all weekend, totally free carnival rides and a HUGE fireworks display on Saturday at 9:30PM. Lots of vendors, free parking and no admission. No gimmicks, no wristbands, no tickets- no kidding! Chesnee wants you to come and have a great time. One big event, all weekend long!

NO admission, registration or fees to participate with your bike or bikes. Just bring it out, park it and have a great time.

It's motorcycle parking only on Main Street, especially on Sunday with designated areas welcoming motorcycles of specific vintages. If you come on four wheels, with or without a trailer, there's plenty of parking on the side streets around back.

Visit Chesnee's famous Bantam Chef for a Chili Cheese-a-plenty in AIR-CONDITONED COMFORT while you tour the display of 50's era motorcycle and automobile memorabilia. Other Chesnee Restaurants including El Limon Mexican, New Century Chinese, Yoshi's Japanese and Pizza House offer their specialty menus and a/c, all in walking distance.

You never know what kinds of bikes you'll see. You never know who you'll meet. Bring your bike, even if it doesn't run or look pretty, and help make Antique Bikes on Main even better this year. This isn't a TV show or high-dollar performance. This family-friendly event is for people that love bikes. It's guaranteed to be hot in South Carolina in July, but Antique Bikes on Main is worth the trip!

If you missed it, revisit the historic first and only Motor Maids on Main July 10, 2012

In 2012, we kicked off Antique Bikes on Main early by hosting Motor Maids on Main. As the official parade of the 2012 Motor Maids Inc. 72nd Annual National Convention held in nearby Spartanburg, SC, we battled so much rain, hail, wind and lightning that the ride was officially CANCELLED! Everything on the video not shot in the Marriott was part of our rainy party that Tuesday night.

So what happens when you tell a bunch of bikers what they CAN'T do?!? They do it anyways. Around 150-175 Motor Maids rode into Chesnee- officially escorted by Chesnee Mayor Max Cash on his Harley and Chesnee Police Chief Danny Swofford- with many more arriving throughout the evening. Motor Maids are the real deal- no one can even register for the convention if they don't RIDE all the way. No trailers, no trucks, no excuses. You think you're tough because you rode yours? It's pretty humbling to meet several 80 or 90+ year old Motor Maids that just rode their bikes hundreds of miles, some well over 1000 miles one way, just to party. It's a great group for all women of all ages to consider joining, with chapters across the USA and Canada. Check them out at www.motormaids.org

If you see Button or Thomas Mossburg at Antique Bikes on Main, ask about their infamous ride into town on Motor Maids founder Dot Robinson's famous pink Ultra Classic sidecar rig....

Vendors

All true vendors (food and new items), as determined by Antique Bikes on Main officials, will be required to complete a Vendor Form (above) and submit payment. One fee covers your space, good for both events for all three days. It's one of the best deals you'll find anywhere.

All checks are to be made payable toCity of Chesnee Events.

Check in at Event Headquarters Tent in front of Chesnee Classic Cycle at 102 East Chester Street to fill out a form for consideration when you arrive if you do not pre-register or to be shown to your approved spot.

We do our best to welcome all parties, but are not accepting applications for any person(s) or group(s) that do not contribute to the family-friendly atmosphere of Antique Bikes on Main. Please help us keep this event a positive experience for all in attendance. As a generously-supported public event with no admission fees, we cannot allow vendors offering anything such as adult magazines or similar content products, gang paraphenalia, illegal or illicit items or content.

If you have any questions, please ask. All decisions by Antique Bikes on Main officials are final.

Swap Meet

Our Swap Meet is FREE!- NO admission, parking fees, space fees or tricks. Sellers are only required to register by completing a vendor form (above). Check in at Event Headquarters Tent in front of Chesnee Classic Cycle at 102 East Chester Street to fill out a form when you arrive if you do not pre-register or to be shown to your approved spot. To keep as many people happy as possible- you AND us- as the Swap Meet grows and grows, there will be improved organization in 2017. We want it to be even better.

The Swap Meet officially begins on Saturday morning, within the designated area. No power or water hookups are available. Space is available on a first come, first serve basis. We do require sellers offer motorcycle-related & family-appropriate items- no adult magazines, gang paraphenalia, illegal or illicit items or content, please. Any such items and responsible parties will be removed without exception.True vendors will be set up in other areas. All decisions of Antique Bikes on Main officials are final.

The City of Chesnee and area residents generously support Antique Bikes on Main so we need everyone to help us keep it a great time. Bring out your bikes, parts and goodies- any condition, any brand, any vintage.

Prayer Ride

The 8th Annual Prayer Ride will meet at Chesnee United Methodist Church on Saturday July 29, 2017 with kickstands up at 1PM!

CUMC address is 409 South Kennedy Street Chesnee SC 29323, located behind Turners Restaurant or one block northeast of traffic light at the Bantam Chef. Arrive early to get in line and fellowship with others for this great ride throughout the area. Riders will stop at multiple churches along the route to service prayer requests offered by participating churches. Join us as we share our compassion and grow the church of Jesus Christ with our neighbors.

After a great ride through two counties, riders will return to downtown Chesnee for Christian Music and Fellowship into the evening. Come relax in our beautiful small city and enjoy dinner at one of our many restaurants. Visit Chesnee's famous Bantam Chef for a Chili Cheese-a-plenty in AIR-CONDITONED COMFORT while you tour the display of 50's era motorcycle and automobile memorabilia. Other Chesnee Restaurants including El Limon Mexican, New Century Chinese, Yoshi's Japanese and Pizza House offer their specialty menus and a/c, all in walking distance.

Directions

Downtown Chesnee and Antique Bikes on Main is located at the intersection of SC 221 and SC 11.

Driving Directions

GPS address- 102 East Chester Street Chesnee, South Carolina 29323. East Chester Street will be closed on Sunday, but GPS will take you to within 50 feet of Chesnee Classic Cycle.

From Interstate 85- Take Exit 78 in Spartanburg to SC 221 North. SC 221 becomes South Alabama Avenue- which is our Main Street- as it passes through Chesnee. You can also take Interstate 85 Exit 92 in Gaffney to SC 11 and travel west for the scenic ride. After passing the Cowpens Battleground National Park, turn left at second traffic light and you have arrived at Antique Bikes on Main.

From Interstate 26- Take Exit 18 onto I-85 North in Spartanburg towards Charlotte, then follow directions from Interstate 85. You can also take Interstate 26 Exit 5 to SC 11 and travel east for a great ride. When you cross the railroad tracks, you're in Chesnee. Turn right at first light and you have arrived at Antique Bikes on Main.

If you get onto Interstate 85 Business North, Exit 78 to SC 221 is the first exit after you merge back onto Interstate 85 North. Then follow the directions listed above From Interstate 85.

Lodging

These area motels welcome Antique Bikes on Main attendees. Be sure to mention Antique Bikes on Main when making your reservations. Some have limited availability and/or cut-off dates for reservations, so plan ahead.

Biker Camping!

Jay's Tavern, a biker-friendly venue just a few miles from Main Street in Chesnee, is now offering Primitive Campingin his fully wooded campgrounddirectly behind Jay's Tavern.Pack it in, pack it out and park your bike right in front of your tent. $40.00 for a spot for the entire weekend. You can't beat a deal like that.

Got an Idea to help make Antique Bikes on Main even better?

We're always looking for ways to make Antique Bikes on Main a bigger and better event. Total attendance in 2014 was around 30,000 people, all adding to the local economy. Have you got an idea to help us grow or offer event participants options while they are in the area? We're looking for the right combination of motorcycles and affordable good times, with a motorcycle-friendly scene only Chesnee Classic Cycle and the City of Chesnee can offer. The Motor Maids did. We worked with their schedule and together we made history. Make Main Street in Chesnee the destination of your event.

Just imagine- what can we do with your group, non-profit or company? Contact us to see what we can do together.

Come back in the Fall!

Chesnee Toy Cruise-In

Sunday Nov 20, 2016

"Always the Last Sunday Before Thanksgiving"

Sponsored by the City of Chesnee, SC

From 1PM until, at the Chesnee Shrine Club 1 mile west of Chesnee on Hwy 11. Shrine Club Drive is on the right.

Join Chesnee Classic Cycle for the first Chesnee Toy Cruise-In, our 13th Annual event collecting toys and donations for Kop Kids. Help us raise donations for Chesnee-area youth, to be distributed by the Chesnee Police Kops Kids Charity. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Cruise-In or drop one off in advance if you like. Donations sites include Chesnee Classic Cycle anytime or to the Shrine Club on the day of the event.

For over a decade, we have gotten a wide variety of toy donations. This really helps meet the needs of our youth, ages up to mid-teens. Your creativity in generosity is always appreciated.

All contibutions in check form need to be made payable to City of Chesnee Events. These funds will then be transfered to Kops Kids Charity officials for additional toy purchases.

Spend time with us as we MOVE INSIDE to the Chesnee Shrine Club. We'll have live music, warm food and cold beverages. Antique and classic motorcycles and Cars- original to full custom- are welcome. This is a no stress event- after years of riding in the cold and rain, we're ready for something different. Come on out for a great time, before the hectic holidays and winter sets in for good.

For More Information about the Cruise-In or to come as a vendor free of charge, contact:

Chesnee Classic Cycle

102 E Chester St. Chesnee, SC 29323

(864) 590-2141

dennisharris@chesnet.net

Chesnee Classic Cycle

Since 1993, Chesnee Classic Cycle has been a regional hub for vintage & classic motorcycles, owners and enthusiasts. The shop is housed in the former Potter's Livery Stable, established in 1914 , which is the oldest original timber-framed building remaining in downtown Chesnee. Owner Dennis Harris spent his early years as a flattrack racer and renowned tuner, achieving national success with Norton, Ossa, Ducati, Cagiva, Honda and Harley Davidson motorcycles before retiring to establish Chesnee Classic Cycle in his hometown.

The pace at Chesnee Classic Cycle is less hectic nowadays than in past years. Basic service and tires are a primary focus. Older Harley Davidsons are most common. Other marques and projects find their way to us, often when other shops are unable to help. We never got into recent custom trends so popular on television, so terms like "Old School" don't really apply. You won't find neon or an apparel section or a showroom full of bikes for sale. It's more like an old country hardware store, but with men relaxing around motorcycles instead of a pot bellied wood stove. Chesnee Classic Cycle is just a real motorcycle shop.

A brief history of Antique Bikes on Main and our mascot "Barney"- Antique Bikes on Main has become the signature annual event of Chesnee Classic Cycle. Ever since the beginning, we have always found a reason to get together with friends- usually with something on the grill, something in the ice chest and lots of friends & motorcycles. Early events focused on specific bikes, like Italian and British brands. In May 2005, we held the first Antique Bikes on Main event open to all bikes. 25 or 30 friends showed up, with about the same number of bikes. Within three to four years, it had moved to "Always the Last Weekend in July", outgrown East Chester Street in front of the shop and taken over the town with 10,000 in attendance.

The heat has become legendary. Even so, with the added Swap Meet and Prayer Ride on Saturday, Antique Bikes on Main has become one of the top summer motorcycle events in the region with attendance continuing to climb. We want to keep it fun and free for everyone to attend, old and young. We loved motorcycles when we were kids and we want them to have fun here, too. We also remember when it didn't cost $50.00 just for parking, admission and a cheap plate of food to go to a bike rally. Hopefully Antique Bikes on Main will help remind people that money isn't everything.

Our Antique Bikes on Main motorcycle rider logo has affectionately become known as "Barney". In 1947, a good friend of ours named Sam Greenway opened a new Harley Davidson dealership in Fayetteville, NC after returning from World War II. Greenway Harley Davidson operated for about ten years before he let the HD Franchise go as he transitioned to a more profitable Schwinn Bicycle dealership. Mr. Greenway was a regular at Chesnee Classic Cycle for many years. In early 2007, Mrs. Greenway asked us to help resolve the remains of his life long collection of everything two-wheeled as Sam reached the end of a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. When we finished, she came to us and said, "Thank you for helping. I know this isn't much, but Sam would want you to have this for your shop." She handed us their last new Greenway Harley Davidson green t-shirt from 1955. Barney was on the front of that shirt. When we did our first Antique Bikes on Main t-shirts in 2007, Barney on his old motorcycle was the natural choice and a fitting tribute to our good friends Mr. and Mrs. Sam Greenway.